Last night, I joined a house full of guests at the China Beach Retreat in Ilwaco. This 100 yr old Finnish Craftsman home is located on Baker Bay... at the mouth of the Columbia River. It is named China Beach because the local fish canneries employed Chinese immigrants who lived in this area.

David Campiche and Laurie Anderson, (also own the Historic Shelburne Inn) invited Guest Chef, Maurizio Paparo of The Excelsior Inn and Ristorante Italiano (Eugene, Oregon) to prepare a Harvest Feast using the wild mushrooms gathered locally by famed mushroom expert Veronica Williams. There was a stunning view, gorgeous decor and conversation with local restaurant owners (night off), B&B owners and serious world traveled foodies.